IPSOS | What worries the world

Ipsos’ “What Worries the World” report for 2024 (as of March 2024) reveals some key trends:

• Inflation Remains the Top Concern: For two years running, inflation has been the major worry for people in 29 countries surveyed. While concern has lessened slightly from its peak in February 2023, it remains the most pressing global issue.

• Healthcare Concerns Rise: Healthcare worries are increasing globally, with countries like Great Britain and Hungary listing it as a top concern.

• Geopolitical Tensions Persist: Concerns about military conflict between nations remain high, particularly in some European countries like Poland.

• Limited Optimism: There’s a small increase in the number of people who believe their countries are headed in the right direction, but overall sentiment remains cautious.

Additional Notes:

• The report is based on surveys conducted in January, February, and March of 2024.
• It focuses on social and political issues but may not include worries related to climate change or natural disasters, which were covered in separate Ipsos reports.

Some implications for news publishers

• Focus on Economic News and Analysis: Since inflation is the dominant concern, news publishers should prioritize in-depth coverage of economic issues, including potential solutions and expert analysis. This could involve investigative pieces on supply chain disruptions or explainer articles on how rising interest rates affect mortgages.

• Highlight Local Impact: People worry most about how these global issues impact their daily lives. News publishers can cater to this by providing local angles on inflation, healthcare access, or potential geopolitical consequences.

• Offer Solutions-Oriented Content: While reporting on problems is important, readers also crave solutions. News organizations can publish stories about community initiatives tackling inflation, highlight government healthcare proposals, or interview experts on how to prepare for potential conflicts.

• Maintain a Balanced Tone: People are worried but not entirely pessimistic. News publishers should strike a balance between reporting on challenges and offering glimpses of hope or progress. This could involve featuring success stories of businesses navigating inflation or highlighting international cooperation efforts.

• Prioritize Credibility and Fact-Checking: In times of uncertainty, trust in information is paramount. News publishers should double down on fact-checking and prioritize reliable sources, especially when covering complex economic or geopolitical issues.

By addressing these concerns and providing valuable information, news publishers can position themselves as trusted resources during this period of global anxiety.